Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Bay Town Trolley + Beach Trolley + Paratransit (Bay County Transit)
Bay Town Trolley — operated under the Bay County Board of County Commissioners; public transit system serving Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Springfield, Callaway, and surrounding Bay County; 7 fixed routes with 373 stops plus a seasonal FREE Beach Trolley along the Panama City Beach corridor; designated Community Transportation Coordinator for the Florida TD program with paratransit service
Who it's for
Bay Town Trolley is Bay County's public transit system, operating 7 fixed routes serving 373 stops across Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Springfield, Callaway, and surrounding areas. Bay Town Trolley also operates a FREE seasonal Beach Trolley along the Panama City Beach corridor connecting popular tourist and residential destinations — useful for seniors traveling along the beach without needing a car. Senior fare eligibility begins at age 62 (slightly different from the Florida-standard age 60 used by most TD programs) — riders show appropriate identification (Florida ID, Medicare card, or birth certificate) to receive the reduced senior fare. Paratransit (Dial-A-Ride) is available for qualifying riders within the Bay County transit system — door-to-door service for seniors and people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route service. The Florida TD framework's three-pathway eligibility (60+ OR disability OR low-income) applies to paratransit. Apply for paratransit by calling Bay Town Trolley at 850-769-0557. Bay Town Trolley headquarters is at 919 Massalina Drive, Panama City FL.
Bay Town Trolley's senior fare uses age 62 (not the Florida-standard 60) — riders aged 60-61 may not receive the senior discount on fixed-route service even though they qualify for paratransit under the broader TD framework's 60+ pathway. The FREE Beach Trolley along the Panama City Beach corridor is genuinely valuable for seniors who want to travel between residential and beach destinations without paying fares — though it's seasonal so confirm operational dates. Paratransit (Dial-A-Ride) requires advance reservation typically 2+ business days; same-day rides are not available. The TD framework's three-pathway eligibility (60+ OR disability OR low-income) means most Bay County seniors qualify for paratransit. For tertiary medical trips to Tallahassee (Capital Regional, TMH) or Pensacola (Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola), Bay seniors typically pursue private transport or family help — Bay Town Trolley does not operate scheduled cross-county medical shuttles like some peer rural transit operators.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 62+ for senior fare (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, Medicare card, or birth certificate)
- Proof of age 60+ OR documented disability OR low-income TD eligibility for paratransit (Medicare card, Florida ID, physician note, income documentation)
- Proof of Bay County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- For paratransit: completed Florida TD eligibility application with mobility assessment
- Advance reservation for paratransit (typically 2+ business days)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 850-769-0557
Renewals
periodic re-registration for paratransit; senior fare ID is ongoing
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.